Lothlorien Bow process
Added 2024-03-09 14:06:01 +0000 UTCI thought for a long time about how to make cuts and a hole for the rod for the bow model, and it seems to me that it will not be possible to make it fully functional. Maybe I'm wrong and don't know how to do this, in which case, please write me your option :)
I think that all versions that will be printed in parts on printers with a print area size of no more than 400x400mm will not be strong enough after assembly for the bowstring to be stretched for practical use. All of these versions will be purely decorative items that can withstand little tension.
At the moment I'm thinking of making the following versions of the bow:
1. Cut along the entire length into two parts with a hole for the rod.
2. Cut into pieces in the classic way, where the cuts will be located at approximately 45 degrees for strength after assembly and with a hole for the rod.
3. And of course the uncut version.
Moreover, the rod will need to be bent in an arc that follows the bend of the bow, because a straight line will not be able to accommodate a model of this shape.
Both versions will have options for printing on printers with a print area of 200x200mm and 400x400mm.
Earlier I mentioned a slightly extended version of the bow model, but now it seems unviable to me. Plus, on different references with this prop it has a different bend, it seems that the tension force of the string is different for different bows.
If you have any ideas on how to make cuts on the model and how best to place the rod inside, please share them with me, let's together come up with the most convenient option for this beautiful bow ^_^
Comments
I will try to make the connections at the cut points as strong as possible. I think that the bow, assembled in parts, will withstand a little tension, or alternatively, you can use a string made of stretchable material to pose with the bow, pulling it back with your hand :)
Marrion 3d
2024-03-10 04:36:22 +0000 UTCWhile I'm all for having the bow be as strong as possible (so with a rod), I'm not sure how well regular filaments (PLA) will hold up to being under even a bit of tension so long. I don't think that even with a rod it will be possible to use the bow for 'posing' with the string pulled back. PLA just won't be flexible/durable enough for that, even with a rod. So in either case, people will most likely end up with a prop that is display/handling-without-pulling-the-string only. In which case the rod doesn't really matter, any bowstring attached to it should be having just enough tension to not be slack, but little enough for it not to be putting much actual strain on the part. The hardest part will be to get the string on the bow. Either it would somehow require tying/tightening the string directly on the bow (not sure how that can be done if using an actual bowstring with pre-made loops on the end), or the bow to be able to be disassembled so the string can be put back on. Or I'm overthinking it and a full-sized PLA bow might have enough flex for it to allow a just-tight-enough bowstring to be fit over it. Only one way to find out I guess...
Wim D.
2024-03-09 17:55:09 +0000 UTC
